Beirut: Five individuals, including three children, lost their lives in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon, marking a significant breach of the existing ceasefire agreement, the Health Ministry reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, the attack targeted the Bint Jbeil district in Nabatieh, resulting in injuries to two additional individuals. The Israeli army, in a military statement, claimed the strike was aimed at a Hezbollah member allegedly operating within a civilian area. The army expressed regret over the harm caused to uninvolved individuals and stated that an investigation into the incident is underway.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli violations. The state news agency NNA quoted Aoun as criticizing Israel for its continued breach of international resolutions, particularly the cessation of hostilities agreement, while he was in New York for discussions on peace and human rights. Aoun called on the international community to intervene and ensure Israel's compliance with international law, demanding a full withdrawal from Lebanese borders under the ceasefire terms. "There is no peace over the blood of our children," he asserted.

The ceasefire, established in November 2024, followed a series of cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel, escalating into a full-scale conflict by September 2024. This war resulted in over 4,000 deaths and approximately 17,000 injuries. Although the truce required Israel to completely withdraw from southern Lebanon by January, it has only partially retreated, maintaining a military presence at five border outposts.